All Roll Calls
Yes: 439 • No: 152
MontanaHB 20769th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House
Revise candidate filing and write-in candidate laws
Sponsored By: Jodee Etchart (Republican)
Became Law
Elections
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Candidate oath presumed valid in court
A candidate’s signed oath in the nomination filing is presumed valid unless a court proves otherwise. This places the first burden on anyone who challenges the oath.
Fewer signatures for statewide petitions
Independent or new-party candidates for statewide and federal offices now need signatures equal to 4% of the votes for the last winning candidate. The old rule was 5%. Signatures must be from active electors in the district, and each sheet must list voters from only one county.
Earlier deadlines for write-in candidates
Write-in candidates for local and special district offices must file a declaration by 5 p.m. on the 90th day before the election. The old deadline was the 65th day. For other elections, the declaration is due by 5 p.m. on the 90th day before the earliest ballot issue date. The old general deadline was the 10th day.
Earlier filing windows for candidates
Candidates for local offices, special districts, and primaries must file between 105 and 90 days before the election, by 5 p.m. The old window was 145 to 85 days. This shortens the filing window and moves the deadline earlier.
Option to cancel uncontested conservation races
If a conservation district race held with a federal primary or general has candidates equal to or fewer than the openings, the election administrator cancels the election and notifies the district. The district board can require the election by passing a resolution within 10 days of the filing deadline.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Jodee Etchart
Republican • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/17/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 63 • No: 36
House vote • 4/16/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 98 • No: 0
House vote • 4/11/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 43 • No: 5
House vote • 4/10/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 45 • No: 3
House vote • 2/10/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 59 • No: 41
House vote • 2/6/2025
AMD-HB0207.002.001 Etchart DO PASS
Yes: 73 • No: 26
House vote • 2/6/2025
Do Pass As Amended
Yes: 58 • No: 41
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
5/16/2025HouseSigned by Governor
5/12/2025HouseTransmitted to Governor
5/5/2025HouseSigned by President
5/2/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
5/1/2025HouseReturned from Enrolling
4/24/2025HouseSent to Enrolling
4/18/2025House3rd Reading Passed as Amended by Senate
4/17/2025House2nd Reading Senate Amendments Concurred
4/16/2025HouseReturned to House with Amendments
4/11/2025Senate3rd Reading Concurred
4/11/2025Senate2nd Reading Concurred
4/10/2025SenateCommittee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/8/2025SenateCommittee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended
4/7/2025SenateHearing
3/12/2025SenateReferred to Committee
2/17/2025SenateFirst Reading
2/11/2025SenateTransmitted to Senate
2/10/2025House3rd Reading Passed
2/10/2025House2nd Reading Passed as Amended
2/6/2025House2nd Reading Motion to Amend Carried
2/6/2025HouseCommittee Report--Bill Passed as Amended
2/3/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action--Bill Passed as Amended
1/31/2025HouseHearing
1/15/2025HouseFirst Reading
1/15/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/22/2025
As Amended (Version 4)
4/8/2025
As Amended (Version 3)
2/6/2025
As Amended (Version 2)
2/3/2025
Introduced
1/15/2025